Amy MacLachlan

“I have found the experience rewarding, enjoyable and challenging.”

Amy MacLachlan spent her summer working with Dr Ivan Konoplev at the Department of Physics, University of Strathclyde on a project concerned with the manipulation of electromagnetic radiation at high frequencies, through the use of specialist structures called ‘1D periodic lattices’. Amy investigated phenomena such as mode transformation and band gap formation, which take place due to resonant interference of waves on periodic perturbations inside the 1D periodic structure. Through an understanding of the processes involved in this interaction, the radiation can be manipulated to enable a range of practical applications. These could range from the quality control of medicine, acceleration of particles in future high power accelerators, and chemical compound detection through radiation treatment of material.

Looking back on her project, Amy said: “The Nuffield summer bursary has given me the opportunity to work as a semi-independent researcher in a supervised environment, which has given me a valuable insight into research and the type of work involved. I have found the experience rewarding, enjoyable and challenging, and is has served to reinforce my desire to do a PhD after I graduate.”

Speaking as a supervisor, Dr Konoplev added: “I see this scheme as an extremely valuable tool for attracting young students to try out research, as well as helping young researchers to find their ways into the established research groups. The outcomes of this research will allow us to consider a number of new directions, as well as attract new PhD students.”